Absorptive Brush Biopsy Tip for Precise Endometrial Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endometrial biopsy devices face challenges in obtaining accurate and uncontaminated samples due to arbitrary insertion depth, potential tissue damage, and the need for multiple procedures, leading to discomfort and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A combined biopsy device with a brush for abrasive sampling, aspiration for fluid collection, and an absorptive structure, featuring a guidewire with a piston structure for vacuum suction, and a cervical stop for controlled insertion depth, ensuring precise and gentle tissue sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If arbitrary or estimated insertion depth is used, then the device is easier to operate, but tissue damage and complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting the insertion depth through a cervical stop positioned at a predetermined distance from the brush tip. This allows the operator to insert the device without real-time depth estimation, as the stop automatically limits penetration to a safe depth that prevents tissue damage while ensuring adequate sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through tactile indicators that provide real-time sensory feedback to the operator during insertion. When the cervical stop contacts the cervical os, the operator receives tactile feedback signaling that the correct insertion depth has been reached, preventing over-insertion and tissue trauma.
2Measurement precision
If deeper insertion is performed to obtain adequate sample, then sampling accuracy improves, but tissue trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The predetermined distance between the cervical stop and brush tip is calculated in advance to achieve optimal sampling depth. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the stop contacts the cervix, the brush tip is at the precise depth needed for adequate endometrial sampling without requiring deeper insertion that would cause trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of insertion depth control from operator estimation to fixed geometric constraint. By setting a specific distance (e.g., 2-4 cm) between the stop and brush tip, the system transforms depth control into a predetermined parameter that simultaneously achieves adequate sampling and prevents trauma.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple sampling modalities are combined, then specimen adequacy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sampling modalities (brush biopsy, suction, and absorptive tip) into a single integrated device. The brush elements contact the endometrium for mechanical sampling, the suction port draws in fluid and cellular material, and the absorptive tip captures additional cellular debris, all through one insertion and single sampling action.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating three distinct sampling mechanisms that work simultaneously or sequentially. This universal design allows the single device to obtain comprehensive endometrial samples through multiple pathways, improving specimen adequacy without requiring separate procedures or devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides simultaneous and gentle sampling of endometrial tissue, reducing discomfort and improving sample accuracy for genetic analysis, while minimizing tissue trauma and the need for additional procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a porous absorptive structure that includes a suction element, allowing for controlled tissue sampling and fluid absorption
Implementation Method 2
a porous absorptive structure that includes a suction element, allowing for controlled tissue sampling and fluid absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible coaxial tissue sampling device, comprising: a sheath; a displaceable wire within the sheath having a first end extending from a proximal end of the sheath and second end which extends, in a first state, from a distal end of the sheath, and in a second state, retracts into the distal end of the sheath; the second end of the displaceable wire comprising a cellular sampling structure and a porous absorptive material which are external to the sheath in the first state and internal in the second state. A tension on the first end of the displaceable wire at the proximal end of the sheath retracts the displaceable wire from the first state to the second state, along with the cellular sampling structure and the porous absorptive material. The porous absorptive material retains a fluid sample after retraction and protects against contact of the sample with other tissues.